“All right, Madeline. How may I help?”
“Elizabeth is with child, and has not yet shared the happy news with Mr. Bleasdell.”
“Oh, I am so pleased for her,” replied Emma.
“Indeed; however, I am concerned that she plans to continue with most of her usual duties. I do not believe this to be a good idea, for I have observed that she is weak, and at times even faint. This cannot be right,” insisted Madeline. “Perhaps if you were to come, she may heed your advice regarding her condition.”
“I shall pay her a visit tomorrow, but as this is not the first time that she has been through this, she must be aware of her limitations,” replied Emma. “Therefore, do not be too concerned.”
“It shall put me at ease knowing she is in your care,” replied Madeline. “She means the world to all of us. We could not bear it if anything were to happen to her. Now, I must make haste to return home to Elizabeth. I shall see you tomorrow.”
“Good bye, dear, and try not to fret so,” replied Emma.
The following day, Emma stopped by to look in on Elizabeth. “Good morning, Elizabeth,” said Emma. “How are you feeling today?”
“I am quite well and not much in need of all of this attention. Nevertheless, I am happy to have you here. After Madeline divulged to me that she had informed you of my news, I decided to wait to talk to Mr. Bleasdell until you and I have consulted,” replied Elizabeth.
“Let me take a look at you,” said Emma. “Madeline informs me that you have been having dizzy spells. Have you experienced them before?”
“Indeed, while carrying Henry,” replied Elizabeth. “Thus, I am not at all troubled by them.”
“Even so, you must not take any unnecessary risks,” replied Emma. “Madeline is willing and able to take up the slack so that you may rest. You must allow her to help.”
“Elizabeth, I see Mr. Bleasdell approaching the house. He is nearly at the door. Do you wish for us to step out so that you may speak with him?” inquired Madeline, with glee.
“That may be best,” replied Elizabeth. “I am obliged to you, Emma. It is a comfort to me that you will be the one to see me through the many months that are ahead.”
“Well then, I shall call on you in a few days,” replied Emma, patting Elizabeth’s hand. “Remember, do not overexert yourself.”
“I shall walk out with you,” said Madeline. “Oh, good afternoon, Mr. Bleasdell. Emma and I were just leaving.”
“Oh, do not leave on my account, for I shall be here but a moment,” replied Mr. Bleasdell.
“You may be here a bit longer,” said Elizabeth, with a smile. “See you in a few days, Emma.”
With that, Emma and Madeline were out the door leaving Mr. Bleasdell alone with Elizabeth.
Mr. Bleasdell observed that Elizabeth seemed anxious to speak with him. Thus, he came in and sat down, pulling a chair up next to her. “Now what is this all about?”
“I wanted to be certain before I said anything, but I believe that Henry is going to have a little brother or sister.”
“Are you quite sure?” Mr. Bleasdell asked with joy.
“Yes, reasonably, as this is not my first go at this.”
“This must be the reason for your weak physical condition of late. I am delighted that we are to be blessed with another child. What is more, this happy news brings relief to my mind, as I have been quite concerned believing you to be ill.”
“I am quite well, and Emma will see to me as the months progress,” said Elizabeth. “Furthermore, Madeline is sure to be incessantly fussing over me so you need not concern yourself any longer, as I am in good hands.”
Madeline walked Emma half of the way home in order to give Mr. Bleasdell time to digest the good news. “What is your opinion, Emma, is Elizabeth going to be all right?”
“Indeed, as it is not too unusual for someone in Elizabeth’s condition to experience a bit of weakness,” replied Emma. “Madeline, she is blessed to have a friend on which she can depend, but you must allow her to decide, within reason, what she feels she may do with regard to her responsibilities.”
The following day, Elizabeth informed Henry of the news. He was so excited he could scarcely contain himself. He had grown up so much in the few years that had passed since their arrival from England; however, Elizabeth was still surprised to hear him express a desire to be of assistance to her until the baby arrived.
“Thank you, Henry. I know you shall be a great help to me,” replied Elizabeth. “With you and Madeline to lend a hand, there shall be little left for me to do.”
Henry smiled at his mother’s words of affirmation, knowing he had pleased her by offering to help out.
Chapter 15
The Confrontation/Madeline and Emma Travel to Ipswich
* * *
Early one Sunday morning, Anthony caught up to Jarret just as he was about to enter the church. “Good morning, Jarret. It seems every time I have observed you in town, you are off somewhere before I can speak with you. Why have you not come over to greet me? After all, we have both come from Norwich, have we not?”
“You must be mistaken. I have not met you before today,” replied Jarret abruptly.
“Are you not from Norwich, England?” asked Anthony, with full knowledge that he was.
“I am not. You must take me for someone else,” Jarret huffed.
“Am I to believe that there is someone who not only bears a remarkable resemblance to you, but also answers to the same name? That seems, to me, to be a bit too much of a coincidence; would you not agree?” Anthony asked sarcastically.
“I would not,” replied Jarret, as he darted into the building to avoid any further scrutiny.
Anthony stood a moment, bewildered by the conversation. There can be no other reason than Grace, for which Jarret should not wish to be known, he reasoned. It is just too despicable to be believed, and yet it must be true.
Just then, Christopher came walking up. “Good day, Anthony. Did I see you conversing with Jarret Ormsby?
“Indeed,” replied Anthony, looking disconcerted.
“I must say that I am not at all surprised to see that you appear to be taken aback by something he said. I do not wish to pry, but I would be careful where that individual is concerned. He is not to be trusted. Considering that Jarret has said something to distress you, may I inquire as to the nature of your conversation?”
“You may, however, what I have to divulge shall take longer than the few moments we have before service. May we meet afterwards? I must speak with you in confidence regarding Jarret,” replied Anthony.
“Very well, then. I shall meet with you after the service,” replied Christopher with concern.
“I am much obliged,” said Anthony.
Following the service, Christopher and Anthony met to discuss the situation.
“Christopher, the strangest thing has occurred. I am confident that I was acquainted with Jarret while living in Norwich, England. However, every time that I have observed him in town, he scurries off before I am able to speak with him.”
“That is very odd,” replied Christopher.
“I caught sight of him, the first time, while I was becoming acquainted with Madeline Pike and Bridget Dudly. I was sure that he was coming our way when he quickly turned and walked the other direction,” said Anthony.
“That is without a doubt peculiar behavior, for Jarret, as he has never missed an opportunity to ingratiate himself with Maddie,” replied Christopher. “You say that you are acquainted with Jarret?”
“Indeed, for as I had mentioned, we hail from the same town in England,” replied Anthony. “The most disturbing bit of information I have not, as yet, made known to you is that Jarret is married, or at least he was when last I saw him.”
“What! He is married? How can this be? He has never mentioned a wife, not even when he was in Salem after he first arrived from England. What do you suppose has become of her?” inquired Christopher, with a dazed look.
&nb
sp; “I believe I have the answer to that question,” grimaced Anthony. “He left her in England. It was well known, in Norwich, that Jarret had set off for the new land, and that he was to have sent for his wife, Grace, once he was settled. How hard it must have been for her once she came to the realization that he was not going to send for her. She may have even believed him to be dead.”
“Is there no end to Jarret’s chicanery?” scowled Christopher.
“Christopher, how would you advise me? I am unsure as to what can be done. He would certainly, if confronted, deny everything,” insisted Anthony. “It would be my word against his and after so short an acquaintance with me, the town would most likely take his word over mine.”
“I assure you, there would be some who would accept what you say as true. Jarret’s reputation has had a few black marks against it. But we must obtain proof, as it is by no means certain that he would not be believed given that he is one of the cleverest of men,” replied Christopher.
“We will speak on this again after we have had time to think on it a while,” said Anthony.
“In view of the fact that he has been portraying himself as an unmarried man, we better not be too long in deciding how best to deal with the situation,” warned Christopher.
“Agreed. I shall meet with you again very soon to discuss this further.”
The following day, Madeline and Elizabeth received an unexpected visit from Emma. “Good morning, ladies,” said Emma, “I have come to inquire after Elizabeth.”
“Good morning, Emma,” replied Elizabeth. “Do take a seat. It is good of you to come by to see how I am getting along. Would you like some tea?”
“I cannot stay long. I must confess that I have an added purpose for my visit. I truly had planned to call today. However, I have just received disturbing news from my daughter, Jane,” sighed Emma.
“Of what nature is this news?” inquired Madeline.
“My daughter has sent word that her husband, Nathan, is near death. He is extremely ill and has been informed that it is not likely he shall recover. In fact, the dreadful event may have already taken place in the time that it has taken to receive word.”
“How dreadful!” exclaimed Elizabeth. “Emma, you must feel so helpless. Is there anything that we can do for you?”
“Well, I have a proposal to make, which you must not hesitate to decline if it does not meet with your approval,” replied Emma.
“We are happy to hear you out, Emma,” replied Elizabeth.
“Very well then. I have taken the liberty of speaking with Bridget about daily assisting you, Elizabeth, with all of Madeline’s responsibilities. Furthermore, I have requested of Mrs. Rebecca Sewall that she call on you a few times a week, as she has assisted me in many a delivery and is well acquainted with the whole of midwifery. You see, I was in hopes that you might be able to spare Madeline for what should be no more than a fortnight, to accompany me to Ipswich. It is my desire to be available to Jane in whatever manner she requires. As Madeline is near to Jane’s age, and has had a similar experience, it was my belief that she may be of some comfort to her.”
“When is this trip to take place?” inquired Elizabeth sympathetically.
“It is my desire to set off tomorrow, as I am sure that she wishes for me to be there even now,” replied Emma. “I am aware that what I am requesting is difficult, and I have left you with little time to decide. Please accept my most humble apologies for placing such a burden on you, but I truly felt that Jane would benefit greatly from this arrangement.”
Elizabeth nodded to Madeline giving her consent; thus leaving the decision in Madeline’s hands. Madeline acknowledged Elizabeth’s gesture and quickly responded to Emma.
“Emma, I would be happy to accompany you to Ipswich. I only hope that you are right and I can be of some comfort to Jane, as I know full well the pain she suffers.”
“I am truly blessed to have the two of you as friends,” replied Emma, with a sigh of relief. “The shallop on which we shall travel is that of Captain Barnes. Mr. Foster will see us off in the morning. I am indebted to you both. I shall be off now as I have much to do before tomorrow.”
Elizabeth and Madeline said their goodbyes and went to work preparing for Madeline’s departure. “Elizabeth, are you certain that the arrangements are to your satisfaction?” asked Madeline. “I am concerned that if I am not here to look after things, you will do too much for someone in your condition.”
“Bridget and I will make out just fine. Between Bridget, Henry, and Mrs. Sewall, I shall receive every possible attention. You are not to worry,” replied Elizabeth.
The following day, Emma and Madeline were off with heavy hearts to Ipswich. “Madeline, I am grateful to you for accompanying me on this trip,” said Emma.
“Emma, you have done so much for me,” replied Madeline. “It is time for me to give back a little. Besides, though I am not acquainted with Jane, my heart breaks for her just the same. I would have wished to be there with you even if you had not asked me.”
Chapter 16
A Journey to England/A Secret Mission/Regretful Goodbyes
* * *
The ferry service was almost ready to commence when Mr. Carr called for a meeting with Christopher. “Christopher, it is my plan to journey back to England, as I am in need of some final supplies for the completion of the ferry service and the ongoing shipbuilding. In addition, I wish to collect more of my belongings now that I am permanently settled.”
“Is it your desire that I should accompany you to England?” asked Christopher.
“I see that you have anticipated me,” replied Mr. Carr. “I am aware that what I am asking is a rather large request.”
“How soon before we are to set off on this journey?” asked Christopher.
“It is my desire to embark on our journey in a few days while the weather is still agreeable. There is a ship leaving for England at that time, and I would like us to be on it,” replied Mr. Carr. “If the idea meets with your approval, I shall set one of the men to work on your property whilst we are away so that you do not fall behind. You may speak with him about your desires for what is to be done in your absence. Remember, the trip is not obligatory; you may decline it.”
“How long shall we be away?” asked Christopher.
“Allowing for the length of the voyages, over and back, as well as a few weeks stay in England, I should estimate it to be approximately six or seven months.”
“What is our destination?” inquired Christopher.
“Harwich, as it is the location for the supplies of which I am in need. From there, I shall travel on to London, the place from whence I came,” replied Mr. Carr. “You are from Bristol, are you not?”
“Indeed, but my family is no longer living. However, I do have business in Norwich to attend to if time permits,” replied Christopher, with anticipation at the thought of discovering whether Jarrett has a wife he abandoned in England.
“Harwich is more or less the halfway point between London and Norwich. Whilst I am in London, you shall have time to travel on to Norwich,” replied Mr. Carr. “Am I to take it, then, that you will be accompanying me to England?”
“Indeed, and I am obliged to you for seeing to my property while we are away,” replied Christopher.
“No doubt you have much to do before we leave; therefore, take the days leading up to our departure. I can get by without you until then.”
“Perhaps I shall take tomorrow,” replied Christopher.
“All right, and thank you for your willingness to accompany me on such a lengthy journey,” replied Mr. Carr.
“I shall head off to make preparations,” replied Christopher.
As Christopher made his way down the road, he was astonished at such a turn of events. He believed the trip could possibly be the answer to the dilemma with which he and Anthony had been presented. Therefore, he decided he must speak with Anthony before departing, and he knew that he could not leave without calling on the Ble
asdells and Maddie.
“Anthony, I am so happy to have found you in town. Mr. Carr has you doing so many different tasks, you might have been just about anywhere. I have news to share of a most unexpected nature,” said Christopher, excitedly.
“What news?” Anthony inquired with anticipation.
“What seemed to us a hopeless business has now a prospect of being resolved,” replied Christopher. “I am to accompany Mr. Carr to Harwich, England, for supplies for his ferry service. Furthermore, while we are in England, he intends to travel on alone to London, from which he came, to collect more of his belongings. As Harwich is close to the halfway point between London and Norwich, I shall travel on to Norwich at that time to see what can be found out regarding Jarret.”
“I am astonished at this news,” replied Anthony. “I had supposed that we had not the power to stop Jarret from snaring some unsuspecting lady into an unlawful marriage. We must be in prayer that you will be successful in your attempts to gain the information needed to set things right.”
“Indeed, but I must now be off as I have much to do before the voyage,” replied Christopher.
“Goodbye, then, and safe journey. Oh, and how long will you be away?” inquired Anthony.
“I shall return, God willing, in about seven months,” replied Christopher, as he rushed off down the road to the Bleasdell’s home.
Mr. Bleasdell was coming out the door just as Christopher was approaching the house. “Good afternoon, Christopher. It is good to see you. And how have you been?”
“Just fine, Mr. Bleasdell, and you?”
“We are all very well. Moreover, there is happy news to report,” replied Mr. Bleasdell.
“What news?”
“In a few months, there shall be an addition to our family. Elizabeth is with child,” replied Mr. Bleasdell with glee.
Just then, Bridget came walking out the door calling back, “I shall return early tomorrow, Elizabeth. Oh, hello, Christopher. It is so good to see you. Have you heard the good news?”
Lost Love and Shipwrecked: Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land Page 9
